World Water Day

Earth is a water planetAlthough 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 97.5% is salt water. Of the remaining 2.5% of fresh water, almost 68.7% is frozen water from ice caps and glaciers. Only one percent of the world’s water resources are available for human use.

In the twentieth century, water use increased six-fold, more than twice the rate of population growth.

In developed countries, up to 30% of freshwater is lost due to leaks, and in some large cities, losses can reach 70%.

In June 1999, at the III Conference in London, the Ministers of Environment and Health of 35 European countries, including Ukraine, signed the Protocol on Water and Health, pledging to protect their citizens from diseases associated with water pollution, protect water resources, and create systems for eliminating dangerous situations.

Addressing water scarcity is the theme of World Water Day 2007.

In Ukraine, World Water Day is dedicated to the implementation of UN recommendations and conducts specific activities necessary in the national context.

In Ukraine, the Day of Water Workers, the Day of Workers of the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service, the Day of Workers of the Hydrometeorological Service are also celebrated. These are holidays for professionals, for whom activities related to the protection and development of water resources are daily work.